Why Accreditations Matter And Why Recorra Workplace Supplies Is Not B Corp

In the sustainability world there is no shortage of badges. Some are meaningful and independently verified. Some are more style than substance. At Recorra Workplace Supplies we have always believed that real impact comes from transparent action backed by evidence rather than chasing labels for marketing value.

This brings us to the question we get a lot. Why are we not B Corp?

The truth is pretty simple. As a division within Recorra we cannot certify independently. B Corp assesses the full group and the wider business continues to review the most appropriate timing for a submission. We also believe that we would meet the criteria. Our governance, our supply chain, our circular economy model and our social commitments all line up strongly with the B Corp philosophy.

However there is also a practical angle that is worth talking about honestly.

B Corp certification for a business of our size is not a small expense. For our turnover band the combined verification and annual certification fees reach several thousand pounds per year. That is before the additional time, audits and consultancy many organisations invest to get over the line. None of this is unreasonable. B Corp is a serious framework with serious checks. But we think hard about where every pound does the most good.

Right now we believe our money has more impact when it goes directly into things that strengthen our service and our social value. That includes investing in technology that improves our carbon reporting and delivery performance, supporting our community partners and expanding the circular product innovations that turn our own customers waste into new workplace supplies. In other words we prefer to put the budget into doing more good rather than paying for a badge confirming the good we already do.

And the accreditations we hold speak loudly enough.

Weaver Platinum Certification April 2025 to 2027
We became the first member to achieve Platinum across all Weaver pillars covering Sustainable Products, Single Use Packaging, Carbon Footprint, Waste Management and Social Responsibility. This is a full audit of our end to end performance and the highest standard available in the framework.

SafeContractor
Independent assurance that we operate safely, responsibly and in line with compliance requirements across our supply chain.

SSIP
Confirmation that our safety and risk controls meet the standard expected by major organisations.

Avetta Member
Recognised supply chain transparency that simplifies due diligence for large clients.

FTA
Verification of responsible logistics and transport practice which complements our zero emission cargo bike delivery model.

United Nations Global Compact
Alignment with recognised principles on labour, environment and ethical conduct.

Confederation of Paper Industries
Evidence of our expertise in fibre based materials and circular paper solutions.

Environmental Services Association
Industry recognition of responsible environmental and recycling practice.

Supply Chain Sustainability School
A commitment to continual learning and improvement across sustainability topics.

FOMO And Made Good
Visibility of our work on ethical sourcing and community impact.

NQA And UKAS Certified Management Systems
Independent assurance of strong, controlled and fully monitored management systems.

Living Wage Employer
Because fair pay and respect for people are at the centre of any genuinely sustainable business.

All of these accreditations involve audits, data checks and ongoing performance requirements. They prove that our claims are real and our actions are verified. So while B Corp could be on the horizon one day, we will only apply when it delivers more value to our customers and our community than the same investment would deliver elsewhere.

Until then you can be confident that every claim we make is checked, measured and backed by recognised standards. And we will keep putting our time, our energy and our budget into the work that creates the biggest positive impact.

If you want to understand how our accreditations can help you achieve your own sustainability goals, just reach out. We are always up for a chat.